As America approaches its 250th anniversary, SEF is reflecting on nearly 160 years of advancing educational opportunity across the South.

In 1867, the Peabody Fund was established at a time when our nation was deeply divided. Through visionary philanthropy and a belief that education could help heal a fractured nation, the foundations that would become today's Southern Education Foundation invested in expanding opportunity across the South. For more than half of our nation's history, SEF has conducted pivotal research, developed education leaders, informed public policy, strengthened educators, and worked to ensure every child has access to a high-quality public education. Progress has been made, but the work is not finished. Too many students still face barriers to opportunity because of where they live, the resources available in their schools, or the pathways within reach. Our founders believed that education was essential to preserving the promise of liberty and expanding opportunity for future generations. That belief continues to guide our work today. Coming soon, Miles We've Come, a new podcast, will explore SEF's history, the leaders who shaped our work, and why our mission remains as important today as it was generations ago. ❤️ If you believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through a high-quality public education, help continue this work by supporting SEF with the link in bio. #Americas250 #SEFLegacy #PublicEducation #EducationOpportunity #SouthernEducation